Raquel Harati’s Journey of Resilience and Impact - "With You All the Way"

As we reflect on another year of hard work, dedication, and collaboration, we invite you to join us in celebrating the stories of those who have shaped the San Diego Housing Federation’s (SDHF) mission. One such story is that of Raquel Harati, a Research Analyst at the National Low Income Housing Coalition, whose journey through public health, housing advocacy, and community impact was shaped by her time with SDHF.

Raquel’s story, like so many others, exemplifies how SDHF stands with its members, advocates, and even former team members every step of the way. As a first-generation American raised in a multicultural household, Raquel found her calling in the intersection of public health and housing. Her career began in San Diego, where she transferred from Riverside City College to UC San Diego to study Public Health. While working for the County of San Diego during the Hepatitis A outbreak, Raquel witnessed firsthand how housing access and public health are deeply intertwined, igniting her passion for this critical work.

Her career foundation was laid during her time as an AmeriCorps member at SDHF, where she worked as an Education Programs Assistant and later as an Events and Program Coordinator. It was here that Raquel truly found her professional footing. "I will always be grateful for my time with SDHF and do not think I would be where I am today without those folks," she says. "They invested in me, mentored me, and provided me with the tools I needed to grow. That effort reflects the support SDHF provides to the entire community through workshops, networking, and educational opportunities."

Raquel’s most rewarding moment with SDHF came during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic when she helped coordinate the SDRAFFH Fair Housing Conference. As the world grappled with uncertainty, SDHF’s leadership, including Executive Vice President Sarah Buchanan, stepped up, adapting quickly to engage over 250 attendees virtually. "Despite the gravity of the work, there was always positivity," Raquel recalls. "They made it easy to believe in the mission."

Today, Raquel continues her advocacy at a national level, but her time with SDHF remains a crucial piece of her journey. "The networking, advocacy, and educational opportunities that SDHF provides are a foundational stone to the success of the affordable housing sector in San Diego. With housing costs soaring, the coalition building SDHF fosters is critical to creating solutions."

Raquel’s story is just one of the many that underscore how SDHF is "With You All the Way." Whether providing opportunities for career growth, leading advocacy efforts, or creating essential community connections, SDHF is committed to making San Diego a more inclusive and affordable place for all. However, we cannot continue this work without the support of people like you.

Help Us Continue to Be "With You All the Way"

Please consider donating to the San Diego Housing Federation today. Your contribution helps ensure that SDHF can continue to stand by the people and organizations shaping the future of housing in San Diego. With your help, we can keep advocating, connecting, and empowering the community.

With you all the way, we can make a lasting difference. Let’s continue this journey together.